Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Charleston is 54% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 19%
$90,038/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 19%
$469,100 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 56%
$1,688/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 26%
152,014
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $17,008/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Odessa — common questions

Is Charleston or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Odessa?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Odessa?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $17,008/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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